Re: X10 replacement?

[Joerg <notthisjoergsch@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Marc,

>
>>Exactly that is what will keep HA a small niche market. The Home Depot
>>site isn't a very effective web site and most people I know have never
>>visited it. They go straight to the store. If stuff ain't there it most
>>likely doesn't exist, in their eyes.
>
> There seems to be an assumption that the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) market is the
> principal driver for HA acceptance for most folks. I'm skeptical.
>
> I submit (with no data to back it up) that the bleeding edge, early adopter,
> DIY market is not a robust leading indicator of HA success and market
> penetration. IOW, the opinions of pundits in this newsgroup don't mean much.
>

Not in this NG because John Doe doesn't read it. However, when John Doe
is over at Gyro Gearloose' house, sees him press a button and something
magic happens the usual reaction is "Wow, I want that, too!".

I can't count how many times visitors asked me whether I can install
something like what we have in their homes. I declined because, to say
it a bit arrogantly, X10 doesn't live up to my standards for quality.


> I'd venture to claim that a distinct minority of US/Canadian/Europeans would
> not even tackle the simple replacement of all the on-off toggle switches in
> their apartment/house with even _non-automated_ dimmer switches.
>

True. But how would they know about HA?


> The problem has been that market has been stuck on the DIY low-cost crowd and
> Crestron/AMX markets because builders/installers/electricians can't make $ on
> the installs because of post-sale issues.
>

Correct. The risk of post-sale issues is what has snuffed out any
thoughts of mine to start a business in HA. There needs to be something
better. Possibly SmartLabs will bring us just that with Insteon but
first the line needs to be complete and show maturing signs.


> HA will be broadly accepted when the majority of median-priced _new_ homes
> come with the added 1-3% added cost of dependable HA already included in the
> purchase. And someone has made money in the process.
>

I wouldn't count on that in the current housing market. Ask a realtor.
Many of them will tell you that over-improving a home does not increase
its resale value.

As for upgrades, if people knew HA it might happen although not 3%.
However, the first priority seems to be stuff with more "Wow effect"
like surround sound wiring etc. Now it's the wife's turn because the
husband already had his say. She'll more likely go for the $2k upgrade
that nets her a Ceran cooktop and a whisper quiet Miele dishwasher
instead of the standard contractor grade stuff.

>
> My 7 Cents ... Marc


Hey, I see an inflationary trend here ;-)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com